June 29, 2010

Reaction to the Stars announcement

Here's a couple of reactions on the Stars' announcement this morning that they will move on without Mike Modano. Everyone has calls in for Modano, so we'll see how he plans his reaction and possible press conference:

Captain Brenden Morrow, who was in Edmonton taking part in the celebration for Team Canada's Olympic gold medals in hockey that took place there:

``It really is tough to hear, because Mike has meant so much to the team. He's a great guy and a good friend. It's been a tough summer with all of the transition, but I guess we need to move forward. It's definitely a sign to us that we're pushing forward.''

On having Joe Nieuwendyk make the decision:

``I do really think that it makes it a little easier for Mike. They're good friends and will continue to be good friends, and you know how tough this was on Joe. I definitely think it makes a difference when you hear it from a player who has been through this type of decision and knows how tough it is for you.''

On whether Modano can still play:

``If he plays anything like he did in that last home game, he can definitely still help a team. He was dominant that game. It would be a very strange feeling lining up against him or even seeing him in another team's jersey. But if he wants to play, I believe he can definitely play.''

FSN analyst and former Modano teammate Craig Ludwig:

``When I heard it this morning, I had a pit in my stomach. It really is a tough thing to deal with, especially with everything he's done for the team. I guess the one thing that you can say is this was as tough on Joe as anyone. He really had a tough time with this decision, so you realize that he felt it was important to play the younger players. It's a tough time.''

Ludwig on whether Modano can play:

``I think so. I saw him out there in games at key moments and taking tough faceoffs and still playing very well defensively. If he wants to fight through a whole season, I definitely think he has the ability to do it.''

On how it would feel to see Modano in another jersey:

``We can all say that we would love to see him win a Cup with another team, but I'm not so sure about that. We all want Mike to be happy, but it would probably make me sick to see him playing for another team, and I think a lot of fans feel that way too.''

Former Stars coach Ken Hitchcock on whether Modano can still play:

``Oh definitely. He has the physical ability to help any team. The question is whether he wants to endure the grind again. That was always the challenge for Mike. It only gets tougher for older players, because you have to work that much harder off the ice, you have to work that much harder during the game and you have to be mentally stronger than you've ever been. If you can get Mike through the grind and get him to meaningful games, he'll definitely be a player who can help you.''

On potentially seeing Modano in a different uniform:

``I don't think that would affect too many people. That's kind of the way the league is going. It's tough for fans, I'm sure, but it's just part of the business of the game now. It certainly wouldn't affect his legacy in Dallas or as a player. He's done so many positive things for hockey and for Dallas, that he'll always have a great legacy.''